(by 7 people)
Considering A Pit Bull Rescue Dog? May I Nominate You For Sainthood?
Bronx's Intro
OK, I don't mean to go overboard there, but if you are considering bringing a pit bull rescue dog, I have to commend you! You and I both know about the reputation that we Pit Bulls have gotten--and it is quite unfair I might add!
But if you are thinking about adding an American Pit Bull Terrier to your household, then you have some idea already how extremely affectionate we naturally are and what loyal family members we make.
Taking on any dog from a rescue shelter or pound can be a challenge--much love to you for doing it! And putting the Pit Bull myth to rest to boot by taking one of us home--gotta luv you!
Top 2 Physical Problems of Rescue Dogs
...and what you can do.
Bronx is an impassioned pooch, but with good reason. Taking a rescue dog is a wonderful thing, but a little work may be involved. However, I assure you from first had experience, it is work well rewarded when you and the kids and the pooch are curled up on the couch watching The Wizard of Oz (again).Top 2 Physical Problems of Rescue Dogs
Parasites. Depending on when and who rescued the dog, he or she may bring unwanted guests home. Not just fleas or ticks, but you have to look out for tapeworm as well.
Make arrangements to have your dog examined by a vet and professionally groomed close to the day you bring him or her home. You may feel compelled to quarantine the dog once at home until you can get him/her to a professional, but this is a bad idea as this is the time you want to create bonds.
Undiagnosed medical problems. Conditions like hip dysplasia, arthritis and in particular, other joint related conditions could have gone unnoticed, especially if they are in early or mild conditions.
Again, have your new dog examined by a vet and as soon as you can from the day you bring him or her home.
Top 3 Behavioral Problems with Rescue Dogs
...and what you can do
Malnutrition. This abuse makes dogs become so food-motivated. They then become overly protective anything related to food or sustenance: their food bowl, treats, even chew toys.
If you don't know for sure it malnutrition was an issue, have your vet investigate this notion and pay attention to the dog's body language. For instance, if a dog who is near his food bowl stops what he is doing to watch you/someone else pass (or worse growls)--suspect that he is defensive and may have food issues.
Destructive behavior. Another common problem. Pit Bulls are highly social creatures. If left alone all day they may get bored or anxious and decide to, oh, I don't know, eat the loveseat. Don't be surprised.
The best remedy, probably more important than proper training, is giving you dog attention and affection every single day. Talking to and petting all during the day help. Vigorous exercise in the morning (if you are out of the house for many hours) like a 30 minute run or a toy like PetFlex will help wear him out and calm him down.
Neglect. Probably the most common cause of behavioral problems in rescued dogs. Dogs that are never/rarely exposed to other people or never leave their yards can develop "fearful-aggressive" tendencies.
How Do You Help Rescue Dogs To Adjust to the Good Life With You
Some basics to start with:1. Proper training. If you are going to do it, know how to train a dog properly. There are many great sources (Web, video, books, classes) on properly training a dog.
2. Proper training. Can't say it enough. This eliminates many if not most issues you or the dog will have. Training takes time and patience and know-how. Consider hiring a professional trainer who can help teach you how to handle the dog as well.
3. Prepare your house, yard and family for the new arrival. Make sure the dog has specific eating and sleeping area. Especially prepare children how to treat and react around the dog.
4. Plan a high-quality diet and daily physical activity. Regular physical activity can help your new dog work out anxiety or nervous energy that can otherwise show up as behavior problems. Pit Bulls are especially energetic so plan exercise to help your new dog stay healthy as well as to bond with him or her.
Four Good Exercises for Your Rescue Pit Bull
1. Long brisk walks. A good walk for a Pit is at least 30 minutes, however 2 fifteen minute walks a day is good also.2. Running. If you are a runner, by all means, introduce your dog to your routine. Start slowly and work up to longer runs.
3. Running toy like a fetch pole or PetFlex. In particular the PetFlex is good because it gets the dog running full out while you stand still or it can let your dog tug which many Pits enjoy doing.
4. Fetch. A great game for running and your Pit Bull is a terrier that loves chasing after something. This game does take a little bit of training to teach the dog to release the ball or toy when he brings it back.
The Perils of Fetch
Dog Exercise and the Perils of Fetch
http://www.petflex.net How do you get your dog the exercise they need?
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The Top Reasons Why You Can't Trust Vicious Pit Bulls
10. They will steal your spot on the couch while you are up getting a soda.9. They will take the treat you give them and bury in the back yard like a paranoid crack head hiding their stash.
8. They will jump on your bed with muddy feet. Making you do laundry...again
7. They will lick visitors with an uncontrolled passion only they understand.
6. They will cause children to smile.
5. They will make you feel horrible for not walking them by looking at you with deep sad eyes.
4. They will look at you like you committed a crime against them if you don't let them lick your ice cream bowl.
3. They will cause wide spread happiness in large group settings.
2. They will crack you up by shaking their butts so hard you think they are going to snap in half.
And the number one reason why you can't trust vicious Pit Bulls...
1. They will steal your heart like a thief in the night, showing you complete and pure love that only a Pit Bull can show.
Do you have/are you getting a rescue pit bull?
Are you thinking about getting or do you have a pit bull rescue dog? Tell us about your dog. Or let us know what you think about this lens!
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Kaela
Great lens! Pit bulls are great dogs, thank you for making this lens to show what they're really like! Posted August 28, 2008 |
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DogPolitics
Great lens! I own a rescued pitbull too! Come visit The Pitbull Owner's Survival Guide here on Squidoo or on the web at http://www.PitbullOwnersSurvivalGuide.com Posted August 07, 2008 |
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Margo_Arrowsmith
BTW 5 stars and I love the sleeping picture! Posted August 06, 2008 |
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Margo_Arrowsmith
Year ago I dated a guy who was huntsman for a fox hunting club (they don't kill foxes in America) anyway he had 64 hounds and 4 dogs. Posted August 06, 2008 |
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Peter_Sobczak
Excellent lens! I'm so happy to see other people that know the truth about pit bulls. Posted June 25, 2008 |
